Can you work out the missing number in the decimal addition problem?

 ____ +  3.87 = 5.99

To work this out, we must subtract:

5.99 - 3.87 = ?

We use the inverse to help to find the missing number. 

When adding and subtracting decimals, we need to be very careful setting the calculation out so that the decimal points are lined up exactly.

5.99 

3.87

5.99 - 3.87 = 2.12

So, to go back to our original problem:

2.12 + 3.87 = 5.99

Let's have a go at some questions on this now.